Friday, October 20, 2017

Seven Bad Driving Habits That May Also Be Illegal

This Seven Bad Driving Habits That May Also Be Illegal article (edited) was produced by the good folks at Geico:

Let’s face it: Driver’s Ed was a while ago. Over the years, our
perfect double-handed grip on the steering wheel may have slipped a
little; perhaps other bad habits have crept in as well.

And whether we realize it or not, some of those habits may be illegal.

It’s true that traffic laws can be confusing. They can vary by state,
and even by municipality. A violation in one place -- say, turning right
on red in New York City -- can be perfectly legal just over the city
border.

The evolution of our traffic laws can also be a source of confusion.
As the use of mobile phones has spread, for example, safety experts have
recognized their role in distracting drivers, and states are adopting
laws to combat the problem. Those laws are still developing. While most
states have outlawed texting while driving, some have made it illegal to
use a phone at all while driving, although others have barred it only
for younger drivers.

Still, when it comes to driving, the patchwork quilt of traffic laws
should take a back seat to safety. Here are seven habits to change
today.

1. Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving

It may be difficult to ignore the ping of an incoming text message,
but it’s essential to keep your eyes on the road. With distracted driving becoming an increasingly important issue, expect more states to
crack down on any use of a mobile phone. In fact, Washington State just
did so in an innovative way with its new DUIE (Driving Under the
Influence of Electronics) regulation. But regardless of where you are,
put that phone in airplane mode before you hit the gas.

2. Driving With Headphones On

Listening to music on your car radio can be distracting enough. But
with headphones at your ears, you may be shutting out important
noises -- like car horns, railroad-crossing alarms or emergency vehicle
sirens -- as well as breaking the law in some states.

3. Tailgating

Following a car too closely can happen when a driver isn’t paying
close enough attention to the surrounding traffic. It can also result in
a ticket. The space you should leave depends on your speed and the
local conditions (e.g., a traffic jam or rain storm); try to keep what’s
generally referred to as a “reasonable and prudent” distance from other
cars.

4. Changing Lanes Without Signaling

In heavy traffic, using your blinker to signal a lane change is a
necessity; without it, other drivers won’t know your intention. When
traffic is light, though, it’s easier to be lazy about turning it on.
You may or may not be pulled over for this infraction, but good habits
begin with good communication, regardless of conditions or laws.

5. Speeding

You’re running late and traffic is light. You could shave a couple of
minutes off your travel time if you speed up, right? Not so fast. High
speeds make a crash more likely, says the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety, since it takes longer to stop or slow down. Statistics
prove the point: In 2015, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 27 percent of all crash
fatalities -- more than 9,000 deaths -- were related to speed. That
appointment you’re late for can wait. Abide by the speed limit.

6. Not Having Your Headlights On

Obviously you need headlights for nighttime driving, but you may not
always think to pop them on at dusk or in bad weather. Just remember to
over-communicate while driving, and in this case, headlights advertise
your presence as well as help you navigate. Laws vary on when to use
headlights, but if there’s any question, don’t hesitate: It’s as easy as
flipping a switch.

7. Not Wearing a Seat Belt

While clicking a seat belt is pretty standard practice for most
drivers (more than 90% of us use one, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]) at least
27 million Americans still don’t buckle up. Yet seat belts saved almost
14,000 lives in 2015 alone. And of course, “click it or ticket” is a
familiar phrase for a reason. So don’t neglect the seat belt. It’s
important, even if you’re just driving around the corner.

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